The Montreal Chronicle - Spring Issue 2014

VICTORY HARVEST MINISTRIES
Pastor Steve and Esther Roach
821 ch de la Carriere, Brownsburg-Chatham, QC  J8G 1K7

Dear Family and Friends,
Greetings to each of you in the Wonderful Name of Jesus from Brownsburg, QC! It is with thankful hearts that we come to you today. God has been so good to us, our family and our ministry! Here is a little update....

Len and Michelle have returned to the beautiful province of Quebec with many stories of victory and the power of God. He protected them so well... especially the day Titus found a black widow spider nest! That was the same day that Hunter almost got hit in the face with a very large boulder that was rolling down a steep hill towards him. As it gained speed with every inch, Len stood helplessly at the top of the hill, and Michelle was too far away at the bottom of the hill to do anything! At the very last second, that boulder veered off to the side! We know God protected him, and we are thankful! They drove all the way to California and back without any car problems, or travelling difficulties. Our God is faithful!!!

Estelle and Mark are excited about what God is doing in their lives, as they grow in Him. They, along with their children, love their Church in Toronto. The little ones are growing so fast! Baby Abel will be 2 years old in just a few days. It doesn’t seem possible that the time has passed so quickly, and they all are growing so rapidly! We are really missing them, because we haven’t seen them since Christmas. We haven’t had a chance to go and see them because we have been working some extra hours.

God graciously gave us the strength to work at Len’s daycare cleaning jobs while they were away. Three times a week, we cleaned 2 very large daycares. We could not start the work until after 6:00 pm, so it made some very late nights for us. We certainly gained respect for the work that he does. It is not easy! Doing these jobs did help us financially through the winter months, and that was definitely a blessing!  

In the middle of February, an elderly couple in our Church lost their home to fire, and we both strongly felt to take them in to our home. We quickly did some renovations in the basement, and moved them in. The kitchen was the area that needed to be worked on. Everything else was pretty well ready. They ate with us for the first few days, and we still try to take them a meal or two each week. The stress of all they went through with losing their home, having to move their belongings into storage, and moving temporarily into our house, showed up after a couple of weeks, and he broke out with shingles. That has been an added trial for him. He has a lot of pain at times, and is extremely uncomfortable with it. Please keep them in your prayers.  They are presently still with us, and looking for a permanent place to live.

Victory Bible Camp: Our next event will be the Purity Retreat at the end of May. This is a tremendously important retreat. These young people do not get this teaching anywhere else in their lives. We have 2 Staff Training days coming up in preparation for our 2 weeks of camp during the first 2 weeks of July. We desperately need God to move in a powerful way. So many lives of children and young people have been changed and transformed by the Holy Ghost, and it only happens because His people are praying! Last year, we had two very large weeks, and it looks like it will be the same this year. Please pray for our staff and speakers as well! God is ready to pour out His Spirit on these people – we are ready to witness it and be part of it as well!

Victory Harvest Church: Francois and Carole (the 2 newest ones) are doing great! My husband has been preaching and teaching on the experience of the Baptism of the Holy Ghost, and praise the Lord, last Sunday Francois received the Holy Ghost! It was marvelous to witness! The presence and power of God is so very real in every service. Our numbers are small (attendance & offerings) but there is no shortage of the power of God! This couple will be getting married on May 3. We ask you to keep them in your prayers, along with the rest of us. God is good.

Financial Support: We want to thank each one of you for your prayerful financial support. It has been 18 ½ years now that we have lived here, and God has been faithful. We presently do have some needs, and we ask that you join with us in prayer for these needs to be supplied. The winter hydro bills have arrived for our home, the camp, and the Church, along with the oil bill for the Church. With some careful micromanaging, we were able to cut the oil bill this year by $1,300.  We did use an electric heater some, so overall, we saved $1,100. It was an extremely cold winter as you all know, so we feel blessed to have saved this much. Our Church insurance bill of $2,600 has arrived, along with the Municipal tax bill for the camp property. I’m not sure how all of these things come in at the same time, but this is how it is! So please join with us over the next couple of months as we ask God to meet this $7,000+ need. He is able, and He will do it by using people. Ask God if He wants you to be used in this way. His Word says that when we give to those in need, we are lending to The Lord! Thank you for all that you have done! Many blessings to you and your house!!!

If you can come visit us this summer, you are gratefully invited!! ANYTIME!!

In Love with Jesus,

Pastor Steve& Esther Roach

ON...NEVER EARLY, NEVER LATE, BUT ALWAYS RIGHT ON TIME

It was 1996 shortly after moving to Quebec that our ’89 Oldsmobile Cutlass died.  We had already been planning a trip to New Brunswick.  The girls were so excited because on this trip we were going to a place they absolutely loved! Magaguadvic Youth Camp. Both girls had been to that Summer Camp every summer during our pastorate in Springfield and Back Bay. And since we didn’t know of any Christian camp in Quebec we decided we would take them down to New Brunswick.  

We didn’t even have enough money to buy another car and we knew we couldn’t borrow money to buy one!  So, we just waited.  For one solid month we endeavoured without a vehicle.  It was hard!  I did have my motorcycle and once in a while I would take Esther on the back of the bike to the grocery store to buy supplies.  We could only carry a few at a time.  

I remember feeling discouraged about the situation and was wondering what are we going to do.  As we got closer to the day that we were supposed to go to New Brunswick, the girls became more and more anxious wondering how we would be able to go. 

The day came and still no car. But that morning I told Esther, I think I’ll just go up the street and check out one of the local car lots. Knowing that I didn’t have any money for a car, I must confess that my expectation of coming home with a car was low. 

Well, while I was gone Esther entered into her “TURBO FAITH” mode. Now if you don’t know what that is, it’s when you get this overwhelming sense that something is about to happen and it’s gonna be good! You see, since coming to Quebec we have noticed that when you live totally by faith you simply believe that God is your supplier and that HE CANNOT FAIL!  

It wasn’t long after I had left the house that she called the girls into the kitchen and said, Girls, I want you both to go to your rooms and I want you to pack your suitcases and we are going to set them right out here by the front door because, TODAY WE ARE GOING TO CAMP! One of the girls looked at her mom and said, “Are you gonna pack your suitcase too?  Esther responded, “YES!”.  

As I was looking at the cars on the lot a young salesperson came over to me and asked if I needed any help. I said, “As a matter of fact I do.”  I said, “Are you the manager?”  He said, “No, but the manager is right there in the office.”  I said, “I’d like to speak with him.” He said, “Sure!”  

As I walked away from the salesperson I noticed he stayed by my motorcycle as I went into the office.  I introduced myself to the manager and said, “I have a problem.” He said, “And what’s that?” And I said, “I don’t have a car and I need one today.”  He said, “How much money do you have?  I said, “I don’t have any money.”  He said, “You do have a problem.”  

Without any hesitation and without any forethought about this, I heard myself say these words, I don’t have any money today but I do have that motorcycle and I can have money within 30 days.  I no more than got those words out of my mouth when the young salesman walked into the office and said to me, “I want to buy your motorcycle.” I looked at the manager and he looked at his salesman and the manager looked back at me and said, “Which car do you want. We can make a deal! 

The timing was like it had all been rehearsed. It all happened within just a few seconds! We quickly drew up the details and that day I drove off the lot with a beautiful, white 1994 Ford Taurus in perfect condition with only 60,000 kms. I was so excited!  

I remember driving into the driveway and Esther and girls came running outside. I’m sure the girls were thinking, Our dad is such a Hero!” while at the same time I was thinking my Dad “up above” is such a Hero! Living by faith is like walking a tightrope at times but there is one thing I know....MY DAD IS NEVER EARLY AND NEVER LATE, HE’S ALWAYS RIGHT ON TIME! SRR

ON ACROSS THE MILES

I was in my first year of Bible College at Apostolic Bible Institute in St. Paul Minnesota.  It was 1978. 

One afternoon, while working at Budget Rent-A-Car at the Minneapolis Airport, my boss, Mr. Larson, asked if any of us guys wanted to take a fleet of cars to Fargo, North Dakota on Friday. He said it would put another $50. on our pay check if anyone wanted to go. It would mean skipping classes on Friday. 

There were eight of us who volunteered. Three of us were from the Bible School and the rest were just other guys who worked for the company. Now Fargo was about four hours away from Minneapolis.  

So that Friday we all arrived at the Budget terminal at 6 o’clock in the morning. We were all assigned to our individual cars.  It so happened that we were delivering seven brand new Chevy Camaro’s. I was given a bright red one with silver flames on the hood!  WOW!  I remember saying to one of the other guys, I think we’re gonna have a fun day!! He agreed! Ha! 

The eighth car in our fleet was a Chevy Caprice station wagon.  This would be the common car that we would all return to Minneapolis in later that evening. Once we had all the cars fuelled up and ready to go it was about 7 o’clock. And as our eight vehicles hit Interstate 94 it wasn’t long before we were cruising at wonderful speeds of 70, sometimes 80 and once in a while 90 miles per hour. Shhhh! Don’t say anything to my mom! I don’t need any friction today! Ha! Ha!  After all, it was many years ago and there has to be a statute of limitations preventing any recourse from her! 

We arrived safely, thank the Lord, into Fargo at about 11:30. We only stopped long enough to park the Camaro’s and then we all piled into the Caprice station wagon for our trip back to Minneapolis.  

Now this is where the story takes on a whole different atmosphere. Three Bible school students and five unsaved guys in one vehicle!  As I recall, the Caprice had a folding rumble seat in the very back of the car that faced the back window. That’s where one other student and I ended up. The other six guys including the other student sat in the regular passenger seats. We hadn’t gone very far from Fargo when all of a sudden we took an exit. I watched as our car pulled into a liquor store and a couple of the unsaved guys ran in and came out loaded up with several cases of beer. 

The next few hours were perhaps some of the most frightening hours of my life. During that course of time one of the unsaved guys introduced a bag of marijuana. The smoke that filled the car was perhaps the worst smell I had ever smelled in my life. It literally made me feel sick to my stomach!  Please understand, I was raised in a Pastor’s home all my life and was never exposed to that sort of lifestyle. Not even at school! Thank God! 

I remember that we were travelling at a high rate of speed...nothing compared to the trip up to Fargo. The car swerved from time to time across the lanes. I turned around several times to see just how fast we were travelling. Each time I looked, the needle was pointing straight downward at about 6 o’clock with the needle completely buried. That means we were going in excess of 115 to 120 miles per hour and we did this steadily from Fargo all the way to St. Cloud, Minnesota, normally a three hour drive. It gives me shivers as I think about it now! I remember the driver of the car was so high and intoxicated that I was literally terrified!  Frightened beyond words!  I still have trouble riding in the passenger’s seat today!  When we were about four miles outside of St. Cloud, we once again took an exit and the driver drove directly to a liquor store.  It was at this stop that I said to myself and the Lord, “I’ve had enough! God, please get me out of this car!” I remember asking to be let out of the car and said I had to go to the bathroom. I made my way over behind the building as though I was just going to relieve myself.  But once I got out of site of the car I ran like a ‘mad-man’ and found myself in the middle of a trailer park. I remember crawling underneath the porch of a mobile home with my heart pounding so hard I could hardly breathe! I also remember the driver hollering for me and cursing because I was not returning to the car. They wanted to get going and I was holding them up. They then proceeded to drive around and around, up and down every street of the trailer park cursing and hollering my name. This went on for so long until finally they gave up on me and left.  I knew this made them so mad, that if I had shown my face I would have perhaps received the beating of my life! 

I remember laying under that porch for the longest time crying and pleading with the Lord to help me. I was over 2000 miles from my home in Hoyt, New Brunswick and Oh! How I wished I was there! I didn’t know where I was nor did I know exactly how far I was from St. Paul. I recall staying there for a very long time. 

Once I felt it was safe, I crawled out from under the porch and began walking.  I walked for what seemed to be many miles until I came to a sign that said, “Welcome to St. Cloud, Minnesota.” Once inside the city limits I remember searching until I found a phone booth.  I didn’t know anyone in that city, so I began looking through the listing of churches in the yellow pages. I found a Pentecostal church in the listings and took note that that the address was 301 7^th street avenue and I was on a double digit avenue.  I do remember that I still had a very long walk ahead of me. Since I didn’t have a dime on me, I wasn’t able to make a call. I recall it got dark as I walked along until late that evening when I came to the street where the church was located. As I walked closer to the church all the lights were on and it appeared that they had been having a service and it had just ended.  I knew I didn’t smell very nice and I was reluctant to go in but I knew I had to. 

As I stepped into the foyer I was greeted by an older man who said to me, “Can I help you?” I said, yes, I need to speak with the Pastor. He said, “Just a moment and I will get him.” In a minute or two the Pastor came to where I was and asked me if he could help me.  I said, “I am from a Bible School in St. Paul and I need to get there tonight, somehow.”  He said, “What’s the name of the Bible School?”  I said, “Apostolic Bible Institute.”  He said, “Stay right there, I’ll be right back.” I had no idea what he was doing.  Within a couple minutes he returned and said there will be a car outside in just a few minutes with someone you’ll want to meet!”  I said, “Okay.” So I stepped out of the church onto the sidewalk and waited.  Within a few minutes a small car, a Monza, pulled up to the curb. I was startled and shocked as I looked at the person in the driver’s seat.  It was the President of my Bible College, Bro. Robert Sabin!!  It turns out that he was there at that very church that very evening speaking at a rally and when he left the church after the service he remembered that he had left his topcoat at the pastor’s home and had to go and get it.  The pastor had intercepted him by telephone and got word to him to come back to the church before leaving for St. Paul.  

Now folks...only God can orchestrate something like that!  The Bible says that, “There hath no temptation (or trial) taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted (or tested) above that ye are able; but will with the temptation (trial) also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” That is not the end of the story!  There is another twist to this story that you can read on my blog entitled, ACROSS THE MILES PART 2! SRR

The Alice Saga by S. Roach February 2014

Tuesday, February 4th

So it was Tuesday night and Esther and I were cleaning the daycare in Montreal. We were filling in at the day cares for our son-in-law who was somewhere in the Bahamas soaking in the hot sun.

I was in the basement at the far end in one of the classrooms dry mopping the floor alone. As I swiff in under a table, all of a sudden there's this kid's voice that comes from under the table that says, "WELCOME BACK, IT's YOUR TURN!"

My blood ran cold! A chill went down my spine! I bent down and looked under the table and there was Alice!! Sorry Alice, but you scared the bejeepers out of me!!

I don't think Alice can talk any more!! Hope they don't ever find her batteries!! Oh, and I was able to find a fresh diaper in the nursery cabinet. It fit kinda tight! The ones I usually wear are bigger!!

Tuesday, February 11th

So last night I go to the daycare to clean and I make my way to the far end of the basement. I enter the last room and I look under the table for Alice. She is not there! I scan the room and then I see her. She is under one of the child's chairs just staring straight ahead.

She didn't even acknowledge that I was there. Not a WORD!! I say, "Hi Alice!" Still nothing! I said, "Are you still mad at me?" Still nothing!

I explained to her that she can't be scaring people in the night when people come into her room. I said, "Sorry, Alice." I think I saw a little tear in her eye.

I turn to leave the room to go get my mop and just as I walked out through the doorway I heard, "Meany!!" A chill went down my spine and I ran as fast as I could down the hall!! I don't know if I can do this until April! Please remember me in prayer!!

Thursday, February 13th

I suppose most everyone has heard by now that things did not go to well at the Day Care last night.

We arrived at 6 to start the cleaning. I was reluctant to go down into the basement due to the goings on that have happened the last couple of times down there. You remember Alice…..

I enter the basement knowing that my boss would not be pleased if I just skipped doing the basement. I avoid the long hallway as long as possible until finally, late in the night I have to make my way toward “that room” at the end of the hall.

I open the door. The room is in total darkness. You have to walk into the room to get to the light switch. I hate that part. As I walk into the room, suddenly the door slams shut behind me! Once again, I soil my droors!! Thankfully I have a proper pair of emergency ones on. I turn to grab the door handle and the door is locked tight! My heart pounds and an intense panic began to set in.

Just then the lights come on by themselves and to my astonishment the room is no longer a Day Care room. It has been totally transformed!! There is a desk by the end wall with one empty chair. There are two more small tables each with two child’s chairs a little closer to me, one to the right and one to the left and the rest of the room is full of children’s chairs neatly placed in rows. All the chairs are full of toys (that have eyes) of every kind and size you can think of. Seated at the two desks on the left and the right are three individuals. The desk to the left has one vacant seat. 

The room is extremely quiet, except for the sound of a dripping faucet.

Sitting in the chair beside the vacant seat was a Cabbage Patch doll with yellow yarn for hair. She turned to me and beckoned, “Mr. Roach, Come and sit!” As I walk to the front of the room to take my seat I look to the right and seated at the other desk was Alice and Miss Piggy. Alice refused to look at me. But Miss Piggy just glared at me!

The seat I had to sit in was very small. My knees were almost touching my chin. And the table was so short my feet barely went under it.

Once I was seated Ms. Patch whispered to me, “Relax, I’m your appointed Attorney. Just be quiet and let me do the talking.” I nodded. Then she said, “What’s that odor?” I just shrugged my shoulders and put my head down.

Just then G. I. JOE stood to his feet at attention and said, “All rise, Court is now in session, the Honorable Judge Kermit presiding!” I was the only one who stood.

In came a green frog made of felt and stuffed with who knows what. Judge Kermit took the seat at the front desk. To myself I said,” Aw c’mon…KERMIT? A FROG? Really? This can’t be happening!!”

Just then Judge Kermit asked Miss Piggy what are the charges? She replied, “On the 4th of February Mr. Roach stole Alices heart!!” Ms. Cabbage Patch shouted, “Objection Your Honor, that is just hear-say!” Judge Kermit retorted, “Over-ruled! Continue, Miss Piggy!!” “Well, Your Honor, we have an eye-witness and at this time we would like to bring Esther to the stand.”

Suddenly through the door comes Esther and makes her way to the witness stand. I said to Ms. Patch, “I can’t believe this is happening! My own wife is going to testify against me!?” She leaned over to me and whispered, “You can’t trust anyone these days!”

Miss Piggy began, “So on February 4th what exactly did you see, Esther?” She replied, “I saw Mr. Roach rip the batteries out of the chest of Alice! And throw them in the garbage!” Just then Miss Piggy reached into her pink purse and pulled out two double A EverReady batteries and said, “Your Honor I would like to enter “Alice's Heart” as exhibit “A”!!

As I sat there stunned with my knees now touching my chin, I knew I was convicted! There was nothing I could do but wait it out. I’m sure they could hear my sobbing down the hall. 

One witness that testified was this large doll only half dressed, with one eye, no arms and only one leg. After some more questioning including 10 more witnesses that testified against me, Judge Kermit said, “This session is adjourned until Saturday when I will make my verdict!”

Now folks I’m not sure what will happen this coming Saturday, But one thing I do know and that is that I’m in deep trouble!! If they send me away, would someone please send me some cookies! My Lawyer says depending on the verdict we will appeal!

Saturday, February 15th

The hallway was lined with many little strollers, three Barbie Corvettes, and even a Monster Truck. It was an indication to me that there were many who turned up for my verdict and sentencing. Sure enough as I enter the court room the place was full, wall to wall. I had even heard there were some who came from the Laval Day Care to see the ordeal.

I made my way to my seat beside my Attorney, Ms. C. Patch. She leaned over to me and said, “Everything will be alright.” The shaking in her voice let me know that she didn't have a clue what she was talking about!

At 10 sharp G. I. Joe stood to attention and said, “All rise, Court is now in session, the Honorable Judge Kermit presiding!” Once again I was the only who stood.

Judge Kermit began by saying, “After hearing the testimonies on Thursday regarding the case of Alice vs. Roach, I have come to a decision. But before I give the sentencing, Mr. Roach do you have anything to say for yourself?” I stood and said, Your Honor I plead for the mercies of the court that I be given another chance….” Before I could finish my sentence there were loud BOOOOO’s coming from everyone in the court room! Even the doll with one eye, no arms, and only one leg shouted to the top of her voice, “THROW THE BOOK AT HIM KERMIT!!” Judge Kermit slammed his gavel on his desk and in his frog-like voice shouted, “Order in the Court! Order in the Court!”

I slowly sat down realizing that I was about to be hung.

Judge Kermit then began to give the verdict and sentence. “On charges of ripping the heart out of Alice, I find Mr. Roach guilty as charged and hereby sentence him to 12…….” Before Judge Kermit could finish his sentence there was a very loud crash and the window behind the Judge broke into a million pieces. Everyone gasped as through the window came a flying individual dressed in red head to foot with a large red flowing cape and a bright yellow crest on his chest with a Dark Blue “L” in the center. 

It was Super Len!!

He landed right beside me and with his mighty strong arms around my waist he lifted me up out of my chair. Before I could say anything we were flying lightning speed out through the broken window. As we were leaving the room I heard Super Len shout, “Bye, Bye, Alice!! So long, Judge Kermy!! It’s Super Len to the rescue!!”

The next 20 minutes were all a blur! We crossed the Canadian/USA Border and after flying over 9 states and 5000 kms. I found myself sitting under a large pink and yellow parasol in Pasadena, California sipping Iced Tea with my besties, Hunter and Titus!! 

We are all in our swimming trunks and this afternoon we are heading to the Pacific to do some radical surfing!!

I’ll see you all in April!!! (Maybe)

As for the Day Care cleaning, I’m handing the job over to Shirley McLean Leiper. Don’t forget to empty the large white garbage container that’s under the “babies changing table” in the basement bathroom! Be careful it’s very heavy and…..it’s toxic!!! And watch out for Alice! She’s nothin' but a whiney trouble-maker!!

Toodle-loooo!!

PS: Some may think that I have embellished a little in this story.......Think what ya will! I'm in Pasadena sittin' in the SUN in my purple Speedos!! HAAAAA!!!!

On....Three Types of People

"Anybody can be with you in the castle, but you ought to
thank God for people who will be with you in your cave!"
Dr. E. Dewey Smith

Sometimes the most important revelations are the hardest to grasp, but when you do, it brings a peace that cannot be compared. One of the greatest, yet most difficult revelations was introduced to me in 2011. I am forever grateful for the Brother who shared it with me!!

There are 3 types of people that will come into your life. Whether it be into your family, your work, or your Church, you will encounter these three types of people. Read the Life of David and you will see that he encountered all three of these types.

1. CONFIDANTS  These are the people that are FOR YOU. They are close to you.  They love you!  When you get into trouble they will be right beside you. If you go down...they will go down with you. When you hurt, they hurt with you.  When you cry, they cry with you. When you laugh, they laugh with you. They want you to succeed.  They encourage you. They never degrade you or your dreams. Sometimes they get in your face but always in a positive way.  They have no other agenda but to see your dreams and agenda fulfilled.  When you do bad they will put their arm around you and comfort you. They will never discourage you. They love your vision. They love YOU!! They are FOR YOU!! Every Pastor, every boss, every husband needs Confidants!! From a church perspective, pastoring is so much easier when you pastor a Confidant!! Because they are FOR YOU!! 

The test to see: The next time something goes wrong in your life and you're in trouble, look around you and see who is beside you.

2. CONSTITUENTS  These people are NOT for you. They are FOR WHAT YOU ARE FOR. As long you are for what they are for they will stay with you.  If that ever changes, they will be gone in a heartbeat!  If someone comes along (example: another Pastor) with a bigger vision, they will drop you and follow them.  Be careful when you tell your vision to a constituent.  Sometimes they will hear your vision and leave you to fulfill that vision WITHOUT YOU!  REMEMBER:  They are not for you. They are only for what you are for.  

The test to see:  When you are happy about something that happens in your life...tell them about it and watch their reaction.  Often the reaction will be a sour one! Don’t be surprised, they are only Constituents.

3. COMRADES  These people are fighters.  They are NOT for you.  They are NOT for what you are for.  They are only AGAINST what you are against. They will stay with you only until the battle is over, because they are fighters.  They will fight until they see another battle that attracts their attention.  Sadly, in the church there are many, many, Comrades. They are wanderers. They are “Free Spirits”. They refuse accountability! But they love to fight!!  They will even fight you if there is nothing else for them to fight.  Usually they do not stick around very long. They don’t care about your vision.  They are only there as long as there is something to fight.  And they will only be with you as long as you are fighting what they want to fight.  You can’t build a business, home, or a church on Comrades. They are only scaffolding.  They are temporary! Sometimes they will toss some money in the plate....go ahead and take it while they are there! After the battle/work is done the scaffolding always comes down and they will be gone!! 

The test to see:  Stop fighting against something and watch what they will do.  They will fight you or someone in the church, even the Pastor or a family member because....THEY ARE FIGHTERS! 

Don’t be surprised when Comrades turn on you.   David had a hard time with comrades; He said, “I could understand if it was my enemy....but when it was mine own, mine equal that turned on me, it was almost too much to bear!”.  They will KICK you when you are down. Don’t be surprised when someone who looks like they are really connected and all of a sudden you look and they are gone.  Advice:  Don’t ever engage in a battle against them.  The outcome will always be the same.  If you win....they will leave.  If they win....they will still leave!!

Every church, every home, every business needs a fresh infiltration of Confidants (the first one)! You can build on people who are FOR YOU!! Seek out your confidants and build on them! You will find that they are the best foundation for what you are building!

I hope this helps you the way it has helped me!! SRR

ON….WHY DID I WAIT SO LONG?

I was only six or seven when Uncle Henry and Aunt Gerry came down to Friendship, Maine for a visit. It was summertime and Uncle Henry had this beautiful Cutlass Oldsmobile, a gold one with white leather interior, if I remember correctly. It had power windows and a radio with premium sound! There was a stick on the floor and even the steering wheel tilted!

The day they arrived, I had been suffering with such a terrible toothache in one of my back teeth. I remember dad saying to me, “Son, if you go brush your teeth real good it might help.” I did and it didn’t! He then told me to take a toothpick and dig into the cavity, perhaps there is candy or something in it causing the pain! I couldn’t find a toothpick, but I did find one of mom’s sewing needles. So I commenced to diggin’! HOLY LIGHTNIN’ PEEKER! WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION! DID THAT EVER HURT!! I apparently hit a nerve that sent shock waves through my little body! Then I had this real throbbing pain worse than before that lasted the rest of the day! I remember a voice saying to myself, “Don’t you ever let a needle enter your mouth ever again!! I was able to go to sleep that night with an asprin crushed and packed into the cavity.

When I awoke in the morning the pain was gone.

We had a wonderful visit with my Aunt and Uncle Gillen. I remember when they got ready to leave that dad said, “We’ll not be too far behind you because we are coming up to Mars Hill next week!” Aunt Gerry said you should let Stevie come with us and let him stay at our place. He’ll be able to play with Kerry and Sandy! I got all excited. Mom and dad agreed and before long I was jumping into that beautiful Oldsmobile. We didn’t get very far from Friendship when that tooth began to ache again. Aunt Gerry said, If it is still aching when we get to Mars Hill, I’m taking you to my dentist to get that seen to! He may have to give you a needle for freezing! HOLY LIGHTNIN’ SHIVERS!! I said to myself, I’M NOT GOING TO NO DENTIST! I’ve already experienced one needle and that was enough!! I don’t recall the tooth aching again or if it did I just ignored it and I certainly didn’t inform Aunt Gerry!

For many years I suffered with a lot of toothaches neglecting my teeth and not taking care of them properly! I brushed, but certainly not the way I should have. Mom and dad did take me to the dentist when I was in my teens and at that time I had a lot of work done. Cavities were filled and teeth were pulled but, none the less, I always dreaded my appointment day. On the trip from Hoyt to Fredericton to Dr. Wade’s office, I always prayed that the car would break down so I would miss the appointment. Needless to say my teeth have been left in poor condition for many years because of my dread of going to the dentist. Up until this year I continued to suffer from time to time and often just tolerated the pain. I am now 54.

This year all that changed!

Just in the last few months I have made five trips to the Dentist and next Tuesday I go again. I’m not sure how many more trips I need to make to get all this mess resolved. But what I do know, today, is that I have lost a fair amount of days of my life of quality living because of tooth pain! Since these recent trips I have said to Esther so many times, “Why have I waited so long?” Today all the bad cavities are gone and what I notice most of all is that now, with the cold weather, I can go outside in the cold and I feel NO PAIN!! This makes me so happy especially when I am plowing snow!

There are people who suffer so much pain needlessly! It may or may not be dental pain. It could be pain in another part of your body.  It could even be the pain of a broken heart or the pain of mental anxiety or sadly, the pain you feel when you see a family member walking a road to their own destruction with drugs and alcohol.

I remember the song, “What a Friend we have in Jesus” that talks about the peace we often forfeit, and the needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in Prayer.

I want to encourage you today to go to a place where there is freedom from pain! I’m not talking about the medicine chest! I’m talking about going to the One who was born in a Manger over 2000 years ago! His Word says that He came to earth and He suffered such pain and misery. And He did it in our place! He did it for YOU! Did you get that? HE TOOK YOUR PLACE!

I remember in the mid 80’s when Esther was so tormented with migraine headaches. They would literally disable her for several days leaving her so sick and weak until one day Mildred Moore, a lady in our church, came to the parsonage and said to her, Enough is enough! And she prayed a simple prayer saying, “Jesus you already took the pain for Esther when you went to the cross of Calvary and right now we accept what you did for her and we ask that she be healed in Jesus’ Name!” My wife will tell you that she has NEVER experienced a migraine since that day! And that was some twenty-seven years ago!

Here is the key…..You must decide to go to Jesus Christ just like I’ve decided to go to the dentist after all these years. Go with FAITH in His Word and declare it! Go ahead and speak His Word over your situation! “Lord Jesus…You bore this pain in my place and I thank You for doing that for me! And today, by the stripes that were laid upon your back…I KNOW I AM HEALED!!!”

You will be blessed when the relief from pain comes and you will say just like I am saying, “WHY DID I WAIT SO LONG?!”

Ten Reasons I Believe in Youth Camp

Written by Buddy Thompson
Virginia District Youth President

I recently read an article by Tommy Burchfield entitled “Why I Believe in Summer Camps” and it caused me to think back on my many years of camp experiences, not only as a camper, but what have observed in almost 20 years of working as a staff member of our youth camps.  As the school year finally draws to an end, the anticipation of summer vacation by the students cannot be overstated. Summertime fun - with no teachers and homework! Summer offers a large chunk of time to teenagers and children.  But along with the "lazy days" of summer comes a great opportunity to reach out to the real needs facing our Pentecostal youth.  This "opportunity" is what I call “youth camp.”  Youth camp is a prime time to reach teens for God and to solidify the youth in your church.  When I was a boy, camp was not optional – you went to youth camp. J

#1 - Youth Camp Is Evangelistic

I received the holy ghost at camp.  Many of you did, too.  Perhaps the greatest reason of all is the evangelistic impact it can have on the unsaved kids connected to your church. Christian Camping International (CCII) released an interesting statistic not long ago stating that out of all the evangelical pastors in america, 52% met Jesus at a summer camp.  How many of our Pentecostal pastors can say the same thing?  From generation to generation, summer youth camps have provided a way for kids to find a fresh (and often a first) anointing of the Holy Ghost. 

#2 Youth Camp Provides Growth
Youth camp is a training place where teens are "taught" to have fun the right way. Campers "see" that you don't have to be “cool” in order to develop a relationship. Campers "see" and "hear" a camp staff that displays Christ like character in serving without complaining. Campers "see" that those of the opposite sex are persons to respect as brothers or sisters in the Lord. Camp is a place where probably more is "taught" and "preached" through lifestyles than through the sermons.

#3 Youth Camp Provides Relationships
Some of the most long-lasting friendships are made at youth camp. They can start as soon as a camper arrives -- in those first few exchanges when trying to find a space in the dorms! Sharing the experience of youth camp together provides a springboard into a lifetime of fond memories with others. Email addresses, phone numbers, addresses are exchanged…with other Apostolic youth! Those are the kinds of relationships I want our church youth group to have. My friendships from camp are among the strongest that I have.

#4 Youth Camp Provides Encouragement
Do you have any idea how uplifting it is to a teenager to be with other teens who are also trying to live for God?  Campers from small churches get much needed fellowship.  Campers that are struggling find strength among the committed majority.  Campers that face complex issues at home find support among peers that care. After a school year that often includes rejection and ridicule for living by God’s principles, camp can be a tremendous dose of encouragement! 

#5 Youth Camp Ministers to the Entire Person
At camp, the spirit of the camper is nourished and fed with the anointed preaching of the Word of God. The camper's soul -- the mind and emotions -- is ministered to through the teaching of the Word and through small group meetings. The camper's body is ministered to through well-balanced, nutritious camp food (ok, ok – 2 out of 3 ain’t bad!). The group sports activities (basketball, softball, flag football, etc.) As well as individual activities (swimming, camp olympics, etc.) Make up for what lacks in the camp food. J 

(what would a youth camp article be without a shot at the camp food?)

#6 Youth Camp Is Fun
We laugh ourselves silly, play till we are wore completely out, swim in an awesome pool, and even have fun when we think we are bored.  What more can I say?

#7 Youth Camp Gives Momentum
Momentum is what carries a church youth group through to victory. It places the drive and focus back into a weary youth ministry. The momentum I am describing cannot come by the arm of the flesh. It can only come by the Spirit of God (Zechariah 4:6). The Holy Ghost ignites the flame with a simple spark and before you know it, the entire group is on fire for God. Time after time at the camp altar I have seen God put fire back in a lifeless youth group!

#8 Youth Camp Provides Tradition
Camp provides a "spiritual landmark" that every camper feels when they drive up the main road. They see the buildings where they were forever changed the last time they were at the altar. Exodus 20:24 states that if we build an altar, God will meet us there. Something very spiritual happens at a place where you have encountered God. That place becomes forever locked in the archives of your mind. I can still remember the “traditions” of my early camp years.

#9 Youth Camp Provides Bonding
There is nothing quite like the experience of having gone through a youth camp together with not only a friend, but also the church youth group. The bonding and acceptance that takes place tightens relationships within the group as well as the entire group itself. As the group gets closer, individual relationships grow and the love of God is permitted to flow freely. At camp, individuals learn not only to accept each other for who they are, but to truly love and care for each other.

#10 Youth Camp Provides Spiritual Commitments
Since mom and dad (and pastor) seldom accompany campers to camp, that leaves spiritual commitments and accountability up to each camper's own convictions. So, with each camp comes the challenge for each individual to grow with God on their own -- not on the coattails of mom, dad, or the youth pastor. Do all kids successfully meet this challenge?  Unfortunately not, but the overwhelming majority do.  Why keep your youth group from the opportunity just because of a few bad apples in the bunch?  You will be amazed at the growth you will see in most of your group, if not all of them.  Give them a chance to make some commitments that will last.

The long-lasting fruit of youth camp is a proven wonder, year after year. I have seen hundreds of kids grow into strong, committed Christians sold out to God. Will your youth be among that group this year?  The kids in our church will!  Load up…we are going to youth camp!